This pattern has the distinction of being offered for sale in multiple variations. If you are hasty, you may wind up with a similar piece but not from your desired maker.

The pattern, originally created in 1935, has gone through three evolutions which involved acquisitions and re-naming.

The three names to be found on the silverware are:




The NSCo stands for National Silver Company. Depending upon which production run they were made, their pieces may read "EPNS" (Electro-Plated Nickle Silver) "E.P.B.B.", "Sectional Overlay", and "A1 Plate" behind their initials or be freestanding. As you may or may not know, electro-plated nickle silver has no elemental silver content.

(In a coincidence of names, National Silver Co has two patterns named "Monarch Plate One" and "Monarch Plate Two". These are not this pattern; not even close. Additionally, Oneida makes a pattern called "Martinique". It is not this pattern; not even close.)

The details of the pattern in the handle are identical on all three. The different names of the makers appear on the underside at the stem in the traditional place for maker's marks and names.

The pieces are of the same length except for the knives and generally the same shape. However, there are some pieces that do not exist in all of the three variations. For example, there is no solid handle French dinner knife in the Monarch Plate version. The Demitasse spoon is only found with NSCo.

The 9 1/4" dinner knife with a hollow handle reads, "N S Co STAINLESS" on the blade.
The 9 1/2" French dinner knife with a hollow handle reads, "N S Co STAINLESS STEEL" on the blade.
The 9 1/4" French dinner knife with a solid handle reads, "STAINLESS MADE IN USA" on the blade.
The 8 3/4" French dinner knife with a solid handle reads, "N S Co STAINLESS" on the blade.

There are variations in the designs of the meat fork and pastry server, too.

If it doesn't matter to you which marks are on the underside, then all pieces will work. However, if you have guests that turn over their forks to see who made your beautiful silver service, they may note the different names.

Here is a list of pieces and their lengths:

        Dinner knife                     9 1/4" (hollow)
        French dinner knives        9 1/2" (hollow)
                                               9 1/4" (solid)
                                               8 3/4" (solid

        Dinner fork                      7 1/2"                   
        Salad fork                       6"
        Cocktail fork                   6"

        Round soup spoon          7"
        Table spoon                    7 1/4"
        Tea spoon                      6 1/4"
        Ice tea spoon                  7 1/2"
        Demitasse spoon             4 7/8"

        Butter knife                     6"
        Sugar spoon                   6"
        Ladle                              6 1/2"
        Casserole spoon             8 3/4"
        Serving spoon                 8"
        Meat fork                       8" 


This pattern is one of those that has been selected by "at-home silversmiths" who do their own conversions. These are pieces that are custom-made and were never offered by any of the manufacturers. Four examples of this are napkin rings, sorbet spoons, rings and candle snuffers. The "napkin rings" are forks that have had the head cut off and bent into a circle. The "sorbet spoons" have had the tips cut off tea and table spoons to form a squared edge. The "rings" are finger jewelry made from tea spoons or salad forks. The "candle snuffers" are cut-off forks with a small bell soldered on the end. Quality ranges from well-done to abyssmal.

Some of the larger replacement companies offer knives where the original blade has been replaced with a custom blade like a steak knife with a serrated edge. None of the manufacturers of these customized implements mention which of the three variations are offered for sale. It's possible you could get three different makers if you ordered a set of spoons or knives.

This pattern was my parents and when the time came, it became mine. While replacing some pieces that were lost or damaged over the years, I discovered the variations. Sometimes it was too late to avoid a purchase of mis-matched items through mail order.

ebay has done a great service to those that are rebuilding their silver service. With pictures in the ad and (usually) clear and accurate descriptions by sellers, mistakes can be avoided. If the ad you are looking at does not mention, nor picture, the underside be sure to Ask The Seller. Another great service by ebay for buyers.

Please drop me a line if you have any questions or comments.

I am not dealer and I do not sell.

Ralph Vaughan